Aberthaw Tests 



OF 



CONCRETE 
IN SEA WATER 



ABERTHAW TESTS 

OF CONCRETE 
IN SEA WA T E R 

SERIES OF 1920 

Being the further report of an inves- 
tigation made bj^ the Aberthaw Con- 
struction Company of Boston to 
determine the effects, both mechanical 
and chemical, of the action of sea 
water and varying temperatures upon 
concrete piers of different composition. 



ABERTHAW 

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 

BOSTON BUFFALO 

ATLANTA PHILADELPHIA 



K\ 



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ABERTHAW TESTS OF CONCRETE 
IN SEA WATER 

OOME years ago it seemed desirable that this Company determine 
'^ definitely, if possible, whether or not concrete could be so made as to 
resist all effects of sea water and frost in a northern climate. Permission was 
obtained from the United States Navy Department to make and store some 
16-foot concrete specimens in the Navy Yard at Charlestown, Mass. In the 
preparation of these specimens, Mr. Herbert L. Sherman of Boston, a cement 
chemist of established reputation, co-operated with Aberthaw so far as 
chemical analysis and quantitative tests were concerned. 

In January of 1909, twenty-four specimen piers were manufactured and 
hung under the cap log of a wharf at the Navy Yard. The length of these 
piles was such that the bottom would always be immersed, even at dead low 
water, while the top would always remain above high water. The fact that 
the tide ebbs and flows every twelve hours would thus bring it about that in 
cold weather the specimens would be alternately frozen and thawed. Some of 
the specimens w^ere mixed so lean in cement that they were necessarily 
somewhat porous. It was to be expected that any porous masonry subjected 
to the treatment planned would show spalling. 

The selection of the material and the method of working it was determined 
in a discussion carried on in the Engineering News and bj^ correspondence 
with those most experienced in masonry work along the water-front. 

Th(^ first three specimens were composed of one part cement, one of sand, 
and two of stone; mixed dry, plastic, and very wet, respectively. The 
next three were made of approximately one part of cement, two of sand, 
and four of stone, but so proportioned, after mechanical analysis of materials. 



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that the excess of cement over voids of sand should be 10 per cent, and the 
excess of mortar over voids of stone should be 10 per cent. These three were 
likewise mixed dry, plastic and very wet, respectively. The next three were 
made of one part cement, three of sand, six of stone, and mixed dry, plastic 
and very wet, respectively. 

Next, ten specimens were made in pairs, one of each pair being mixed 
1:1:2 and the other 1:3:6. All of these were mixed wet. Two were made 

from a Portland 
cement practically 
free from iron ; two 
of a commercial 
Portland cement 
high in alumina; 
two of a commer- 
cial cement low in 
alumina; two of an 
iron ore cement 
practically free 
from alumina; two 

This \'if\\ shiiws nine o! thf piers at almost low tide. Ttie original method of support, by means ^^ ^ *^& CClllvrllL. 

ol' the loops in the reinforcing rods, will lie noted. As these were gnuluall.v weakened b,v rust, 

rings were grouted into the cored holes in 191'2, as shown in the individual views on pages 9 to 31 Thp othpi' fivP 

samples consisted of one part cement, three of sand and six of stone, and were 
mixed quite wet. Number 20 was especially well mixed — much more time 
being taken than is usual in mixing. Number 21 was lost in handling in 1912, 
while Number 19 disappeared sometime between 1916 and 1920. Number 

22 had one-tenth part by weight of hydrated lime substituted for an equiva- 
lent amount of the cement, thus making the mixture really 0.1 hydrated 
lime; 0.9 standard Portland cement; three parts sand; six, stone. Number 

23 was mixed with a Sylvester solution of soap and alum; Number 24 con- 
tained finely pulverized clay to the amount of 5 per cent of the weight of 




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the cement. As for brands of cement, the first nine specimens, which were 
made from the average standard Portland cement, were formed by mixing 
together eqnal parts of Vulcanite, Alpha and Giant brands. These were 
thoroughly mixed in the mortar box and then repacked by weight. The 
cement of the other specimens was as follows : The cement free from iron 
was Blanc Stainless; the commercial Portland high in alunn'na was Atlas; 
the commercial Portland cement low in alumina was a mixture of equal 
parts Lehigh and 
Helderberg; the 
iron ore cement 
practically free 
from alumina was 
Hermmoor Erz 
German Portland 
cement ; and the 
cement made from 
slag was Universal. 
The stone used 
was broken trap 
rock from ciuarries , . , . . , , , ,, , , 

General view of the operations in preparing the piers, showing in loreground the method ul 
, -u r 1 1 -« •- weighing water and measuring sand 

at Maiden, Mass., 

a cubic foot weighing 90.24 pounds, while the voids were found to be 50 per 

cent. The stone passed a l^-inch ring with the dust screened out. The 

sand used was clean and sharp, and perhaps a little finer than usual. 

It was obtained from banks at South Acton, Mass., and when weighed 

dry averaged 97.18 pounds j)er cubic foot, while the voids were calculated 

in the dry sand as .S4.'-2 per cent. As used in the work, the sand contained 

4.0 per cent of moisture. 

The specimens were made on the first floor of one of the buildings at the 

Navy Yard, and while the temperature of the room was kept above freezing 




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point, it was not very warm. The mixer was set on the floor, the feeding 
chute removed, and the materials were shoveled directly from the floor to 
the mouth of the mixer, located about 3 feet higher. The mixed materials 
were then dumped into a water-tight mortar box from which they were 
shoveled into wheelbarrows and carried a short distance to forms constructed 
of plank. It should be noted that the specimens were cast in a horizontal 
position. In order to give them stiffness so that they could be 

handled without breaking, a 



^-inch twisted square steel bar 
was embedded in them for their 
full length and projected from 
the upper end, forming a loop. 
In the upper end of each speci- 
men for a depth of 8 feet there 
was also placed a steel pipe ^yi 
inches in outside diameter. This 
was used simply to core a hole, 
and was removed, after the 
specimens were set, in the follow- 
ing manner: Before placing, it 
was covered on the outside with 
paraffin, and when the concrete 
had set, live steam was turned 

Showing reinforcement, and method ot supporting pipe for cored hole. i^f/^ fliii •t-.i-i->£> -nrliir.!! -iiro a tlTcvTi 

The twisted square, running the full length of pier in two opposite miO LllC pipC, VVinLll VVclh UJeil 
corners, was used for some lime as a means of support for the pier. 

See view and caption on page 4 ^^^JJ^ .^^^^ quickly rCmOVCd. At 

the extreme top of each specimen was embedded a 3-inch pipe, which was 
threaded and capped. The object in coring this hole was to ascertain whether 
water percolated into the specimens from the sea. 

The sand and stone were measured in accurately made frames and were 
then completely fed into the mixer first; next the cement was shoveled in, 




[6] 



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the process requiring about one minute; and after half a minute the water 
was added with pails, being accurately weighed out, this occupying about one 
minute. In every case, in as near two minutes as possible after the first water 
was added, the batch was dumped from the mixer. It required from 15 
to 18 minutes entirely to place a batch in the forms, where it was thoroughly 
spaded and tamped. The workmanship was intended to reproduce as nearly 
as possible the conditions of actual practice. 

The specimens remained in 
the building for about five weeks 
before being hung from the cap 
log, as shown in the photograph. 

In 1909 the core holes left by 

the withdrawal of the 2>^-inch 

steel pipe were sounded for 

water. All were dry except seven, 

which contained water as follows : 

No. 1 38 inches 

No. 2 65 inches 

No. 4 60 inches 

No. 5 52 inches 

No. 7 16 inches 

No. 8 22 inches 

No. 15 27 inches 

From time to time examina- 
tions havebeen madeof the entire 
set of specimens, and photographs have been taken showing about as much de- 
tail as the picture appearing on page 4 of this pamphlet. These photographs 
are on file at the office of the Aberthaw Construction Company, Boston. Re- 
ports on the condition of the specimens appeared in the Engineering Record, 
August 19, 1911, and in the Engineering News, November 20, 1913. In 
December of 1913 and again in June, 1920, each specimen was lifted to the 




Leveling off the face of a pier after pouring 



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wliarf and carefully photographed. The pictures shown in this pamphlet are 
half-tones made without retouching from these photographs. 

When the specimens were lifted in 1920, it was found that they were 
covered with crude oil for nearly two-thirds of their length. The oil, mixed 
with debris, had formed a coating nearly yi inch thick at the top of the 
specimens and extended to within 5 or 6 feet of the bottom, at which point the 
oil formed only a very thin covering. 

The bottom part 
of all specimens 
examined in lO^O 
was thicklv cov- 
ered with mussels 
and other sea 
growth. No barna- 
cles were found at 
this time and the 
assumption is that 
they have been des- 
troyed since 191G 
T .u .■ , .u , . ^ A , < t,u r by the crude oil 

lo economize in space, the lorms tor the hUer piers were placed on top ot some ot the earlier ^ 

specimens. The piers in the foreground show both the loop ot" the reinforcing bar, by which they n • 

were long supported, and the end of the pipe making the sounding hole. tloatino" OU thc 

water. To just what extent the oil with which the specimens were coated 
has interfered with the value of the tests is difficult to say, but it would 
appear that very little harm will come to the parts of the specimens covered 
with oil, unless it arises from the action of the oil itself. 

While, at this time, it seems hardly advisable to offer an opinion as to the 
comparative quality of the various specimens, or even to imply that these 
test piers have, as yet, definitely proved any action or non-action of sea 
water, it seems reasonable to call attention to the fact that specimens Numbers 
2, 3, 14, 16 and 18 show little or no efi^ect from their twelve years' immersion. 




[8- 



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Sample No. 1 

Proportions 

1 Cement 

1 Sand 

2 Stone 

248 lb. Water 

Cast dry, January 0, 1900. Forms 
were removed January 11, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 27, 
1909. 

When cast water glistened but did 
not spatter. Concrete did not quake. 



Length 


16 ft. 1 


m. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.69 sq. 


ft. 


Volume 


27.0-1 cu. 


ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


26.676 ' 


' 


Gross Weight 


4110 


lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4057.5 


" 


Do. per cu. ft. 


152.1 


" 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Front face showed some slight sur- 
face erosion, extreme at about half- 
tide. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Face eroded badly for full length. 
Sides and back i)robably as good as 
when poured. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

Face eroded, but seemingly no 
worse than in 191.'5. Corners slightly 
rounded. A bad crack coidd be seen on 
one side and a large chunk was out of 
a back corner. As specimen was laid on 
the dock preparatory to replacing in 
its position under the piers, it shat- 
tered badly at about mid-length. This 
shattering was not due to any blow, 
but simply to the weight of one end 
when it was being laid on the pier. 
The concrete in the center of the 
specimen was fovmd badly rotted 
along cracks which were invisible 
before the specimen was l)roken. The 
chunks broken off, however, .seemed to 
lie fairly .sound. Many cracks could be 
seen to have existed for some time, as 
the concrete was l)a(l].\' discolored 
along them. In placing, the .specimen 
split down the middle nearly to its top. 




Sample No. 1 
1913 



Saiiiplc No. 1 



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Sample No. 2 

Proportions 

1 Cement 

1 Sand 

2 Stone 

295 lb. Water 

Cast January 8, 1909. Forms were 
removed January 11, 1909. Specimen 
immersed March 1, 1909. 

When cast no water spattered from 
surface by tamping, but a Httle move- 
ment could be seen as far as 12 inches 
away. 



Length 



16 ft. 



Average sec- 
tional area 


1.788 sq. 


ft. 


Volume 


28.61 cu. 


ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.2.52 ' 


/ 


Gross Weight 


4320 


lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


1.267.5 


iC 


Do. per cu. ft. 


151.06 


(C 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Face, sides and back slightly pitted 
below mid-water. Specimen seems in 
good condition. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

Face slightly pitted. Corners slightly 
pitted, but not badly rounded. Back 
slightly pitted. Specimen seems in 
very good condition. 




Sample No. 2 
1913 



Sample No. 2 
1920 



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^ 

(V--. 




Sample No. 3 

Proportions 
1 Cement 

1 Sand 

2 Stone 

■i-25 lb. Water 

Cast very wet, January 9, 1909. 
Forms were removed January 11, 
1909. Specimen immersed March 1, 
1909. 

When cast the concrete was soft 
enough to run out of an overturned 
barrow, but it would not flow like 
syrup. 



Length 


16 ft. 0}4 in. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.77 sq. ft. 


Volume 


28.39 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.044 " 


Gross Weight 


4250 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4197.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


145.04 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Face somewhat pitted. Edges good, 
sides good, back good, sHghtly pitted. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

.\ppears unchanged since photo- 
graph was taken in 1913. In very good 
condition. Corners sharp. Face only 
very slightly pitted. 




U. 



Sample No. 3 
191. '5 



Sample No. 3 
1920 



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Sample No, 4 

Proportions 

1 Cement 
2K Sand 
^yi Stone 
165 lb. Water 

Cast very dry, January 9, 1909. 
Forms were removed January 11, 
1909. Specimen immersed March 1, 
1909. 

When cast there was no free water, 
but the surface was moist. 



Length 



10 ft. 



Average sec- 
tional area 


1.79 sq. ft. 


Volume 


28.64 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.267 " 


Gross Weight 


4175 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4122.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


145.82 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Slightly pitted on the sides — more 
so on front face, ' where the fine 
material had apparently been eroded, 
exposing the stones but leaving them 
firmly embedded. The extreme erosion 
was about 1 inch. 



Condition December 17, 1913 

Face badly eaten from high water to 
bottom — a little worse between high 
and low water. Aggregate exposed on 
entire face. Back good — slightly 
flaked at mid-water. Sides look as 
though specimen had been poorly 
spaded — aggregates exposed in 
streaks. 

A detailed view of the face is shown 
on page 32. 



'^Z Condition June 9, 1920 



Bottom seems no worse than in 
1913. Between high and low water the 
corners are rounded and pitted. Large 
pits occurred at the back corners about 
mid-height. The top half of the speci- 
men was covered with oil. 




Sample No. 4 
1913 



Sample No. 4 
1920 



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f 




Sample No. 5 

Proportions 

1 Cement 
2K Sand 
43^ Stone 
195 lb. Water 

Cast plastic, January 9, 1909. 
Forms were removed January 11, 
1909. Specimen immersed February 
27, 1909. 

When cast the top surface was quite 
wet, just barely spattered and quaked 
a very little at a few inches from tamp. 



Length 


15 ft. 11 in. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.75 sq.ft. 


Volume 


27.85 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


27.46 " 


Gross Weight 


4180 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4127.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


150.3 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Specimen slightly pitted on all 
sides from high water to bottom. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

The back at mid-height was badly 
pitted as if from a blow. Corners 
slightly gone at mid-height. Specimen 
seemed in very good condition, appar- 
ently as good as in 1913. 





Sample No. 5 
1913 



Sample No. 5 
1920 



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Sample No. 6 

Proportions 

1 Cement 
2>^ Sand 
4>2 Stone 
345 lb. Water 

Cast very wet, January 9, 1909. 
Forms were removed January 11, 
1909. Specimen immersed February 
23, 1909. 



Length 


15 ft. UH in. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.79 sq. ft. 


Volume 


28.6 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.225 " 


Gross Weight 


4350 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4297.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


152.2 " 



—^ Condition March 3, 1910 



The surface appeared to be some- 
what soft. 



Condition December 17, 1913 

All sides are in good condition for 
full length. Face a little pitted, corners 
eaten a trifle around low tide. 



Condition June 9, 1920 

Corners are gone about mid-height. 
Bottom fairly sound. Front pitted 
about mid-height. Reinforcement ex- 
posed about mid-height. Back pitted 
between high and low water. The fine 
aggregate was rotted for about }4 
inch in depth at mid-height. 




Sample No. 6 
1913 



Sample No. 6 
1920 



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Sample No. 7 

Proportions 

1 Cement 
3 Sand 
6 Stone 
182 lb. Water 

Cast quite dry, January 11, 1909. 
Forms were removed January 13, 
1909. Specimen immersed February 
27, 1909. 



When cast did not 


quake. 


Length 


10 ft 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.82 sq. ft 


Volume 


29.12 cu. ft 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.74 " 


Gross Weight 


4150 lb 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4097.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


142.5 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Slightly pitted on the sides — more 
so on front face, where the fine ma- 
terial had apparently been eroded, 
exposing the stones but leaving them 
firmly embedded. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Specimen entirely eaten through at 
S}i feet above low water, about a foot 
in length, all gone. Bars holding to- 
gether. Back side eaten on a slant for 
10 feet. Only slightly eaten below low 
water line. Material dead at eaten 
section. 



Condition June 9, 19'20 

Specimen entirely gone between 
high and low water. Top of bottom 
part badly disintegrated. In very good 
ctmdition at the very bottom. Fine 
aggregate rotted for about yi inch 
in depth below higli water. 




Sample No. 7 



l!)l 



Sample No. 7 
1920 



15 1 



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Sample No. 8 

Proportions 

1 Cement 
3 Sand 
6 Stone 
240 lb. Water 

Cast plastic, January 11, 1909. 
Forms were removed January 13, 
1909. Specimen immersed February 
23, 1909. 

When cast moderate tamping 
showed quaking; spots of water on 
surface. 



Length 


15 ft. 11 3^ 


m. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.82 sq. 


ft. 


Volume 


29.0.5 cu. 


ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.666 ' 


' 


Gross Weight 


425.5 


lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4202.5 


" 


Do. per cu. ft. 


146.58 


" 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Front and sides somewhat pitted. 
Back face eaten badly from low tide 
to mid-tide for about 2 feet, — 
eaten to a depth of 5 inches. Streak 
eaten down center of back side from 
high tide to bad spot. A detailed view 
of the back is shown on page 32. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

Seems in about the same condition 
as in 1913. Is worse around low water. 
Back badly gone from about 3 feet 
from the bottom to 3 feet from the 
top. Steel exposed in the back face. 
One bad hole occuis about mid-height 
almost one-half tlirough the specimen, 
another at about three-quarters the 
height, or about at high water. Bottom 
seems good. Fine aggregate rotted 
between high and low water. 




Sample No. 8 
lOl.S 



Sample No. 8 
19 '-20 



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.-•WW-:- 







^4i^^ 






Sample No. 9 

Proportions 

1 Cement 
3 Sand 
6 Stone 
343 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 11, 1909. Forms 
were removed January 13, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 23, 
1909. 

When cast concrete spattered and 
quaked. Water ran off. 



Length 


16 ft. IJ4 in. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.8 sq. ft. 


Volume 


28.99 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.615 " 


Gross Weight 


4215 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4162.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


145.4 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

General condition good. Face a 
little pitted. Edges all eaten a little. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

Front corners badly eaten between 
high and low water. Concrete fairly 
solid. Faces only slightly pitted. Back 
corners pitted. 




Sample No. 9 
1913 



Sample No. 9 
1920 



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f«8EBTH»TVC0 

WSTOK 
190» 




Sample No. 10 

Proportions 

1 Blanc Cement 

1 Sand 

2 Stone 

305 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 12, 1909. Forms 
were removed January 14, 1909. Speci- 
men immersed February 27, 1909. 

When cast concrete quaked when 
tamped lightly. Cement acted quickly. 

15 ft. UK in. 



Length 

Average sec- 
tional area 

Volume 

Net Volume of 
Concrete 

Gross Weight 

Net Weight of 
Concrete 

Do. per cu. ft. 



1.8 
30.4 



sq. ft. 
cu. ft. 




30.032 
4320 

4267.5 
142.1 



lb. 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 



=rr— - Condition December 17, 1913 



Condition good. Bottom and sides 
hardly touched. Front slightly pitted. 
Edges fairly sharp. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

Apparently as good as in 1913. 
Front slightly pitted. Sides and back 
hardly touched. Concrete solid. 



Sample No. 10 
1913 



Sample No. 10 
1920 



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Sample No. 11 

Proportions 

1 Blanc Cement 

3 Sand 

6 Stone 

353 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 12, 1909. Forms 
were removed January 14, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 27, 
1909. 

When cast flowed ofiF shovel easily 
and concrete when tamped flowed 
water ofi: form. 



Length 



10 ft. 



Average sec- 
tional area 


1.86 sq. 


ft. 


Volume 


29.76 cu. 


ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


29.389 ' 


' 


Gross Weight 


4350 


lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4297.5 


(( 


Do. per cu. ft. 


146.2 


" 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Condition good. Face pitted slightly 
from mid-water. Back good. Sides 
sliglitly pitted around low tide mark. 
Edges fairly good. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

Large hole in front face nearly half 
way tlirough between high and low 
tide. Fine aggregate rotted for ^ 
to 1}4 inches depth. Back corners 
badly pitted. Top good, bottom good. 
Concrete worse at about high water. 




Sample No. 11 

1913 



Sample No. 11 
1920 



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Sample No. 12 

Proportions 

1 Atlas Cement 

1 Sand 

2 Stone 

325 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 12, 1909. Forms 
were removed January 14, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 27, 
1909. 



When cast 
mDinfif, 


quaked with light 


Length 


16 ft. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.81 sq. ft. 


Volume 


28.90 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.579 " 


Gross Weight 


4225 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4172.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


145.9 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

A very slight action was noticeable 
on tlie front face. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Very good condition. Edges all 
sharp at mid-water. A slight flaking in 
back. Front slightly pitted from mid- 
water to bottom; a little more above 
low water. 



Condition June 9, 1920 

Corners broken slightly. Faces 
slightly pitted about mid-height. 
Bottom and top good. 



fSj&i 



'\Si 










Sample No. 12 
1913 



Sample No. 12 
1920 



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O N 



CONCRETE 









U] 





Sample No. 13 
Proportions 

1 Atlas Cement 

3 Sand 

6 Stone 

345 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 12, 1909. Forms 
were removed January H, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 27, 
1909. 

When cast flowed off shovel easily; 
slight tamping showed quaking; spat- 
tered when tamped hard. Surface 
glazed. 



Length 



15 ft. 11 in. 



Average sec- 
tional area 


1.8 sq. 


ft 


Volume 


28.7 cu. 


ft 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.3-1 ' 


' 


Gross Weight 


4100 


lb 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4047.5 


" 


Do. per cu. ft. 


142.8 


t( 



Condition March 3, 1910 

A very slight action was noticeable 
on the front face. 



Condition December 17, 1913 

Condition fairly good from top to 
low water line. One corner at low water 
eaten in about 1'^ inches. Sides good, 
hack good, liottom good. Face eaten, 
a little rough all the way down. Edges 
eaten off. 



Condition June 9, 1920 

Badly eaten between high and low 
water. Concrete very rotten for a 
depth of 1 to 2 inches in middle of 
specimen. Corners could be flaked oft' 
in large chunks. 




Sample No. 13 
1913 



Sample No. 13 
1920 



[21] 



ACTION 



O F 



SEA 



W A T E R 



O N 



CONCRETE 







Sample No. 14 
Proportions 



1 Helderberg & Lehigh Cement 
mixed 

1 Sand 

2 Stone 

330 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 13, 1909. Forms 
were removed January 15, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 23, 
1909. 



When cast qi 
amping. 


aked with light 


Length 


16 ft. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.79 sq. ft. 


Volume 


28.64 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.274 " 


Gross Weight 


4130 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4077.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


144.2 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 

Condition December 17, 19LS 

Condition very good. Corners all 
sharp for full length. Face only a little 
pitted. Sides and back hardly touched. 

Condition June 9, 1920 . 

In very good condition. Corners 
only very slightly gone at low tide. 
Face slightly pitted. Sides and back 
slightly touched. 




Sample No. 14 
1913 



Sample No. 14 
1920 



221 



A C T I O N 



O F 



SEA 



W A T E R 



O N 



CONCRETE 




MSTon 




Sample No. 15 
Proportions 



1 Helderberg & Lehigh Cement 

mixed 
3 Sand 
6 Stone 
335 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 13, 1909. Forms 
we]'e removed January 15, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 27, 
1909. 



When cast quaked with Hght 
tamping. 


Length 


15 ft. 11 in. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.81 sq. ft. 


Volume 


28.89 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.52 " 


Gross Weight 


4125 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4072.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


142.7 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

A very slight action was noticeable 
on the front, and the face appeared 
softer than it should. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Condition good entire length. Edges 
slightly eaten. Face pitted. Sides and 
l)aci< hardly touched. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

Pitted at low water on face and 
.sides. Corners rather badly pitted 
between high and low water. Outer 
concrete and corners rotted yi inch 
in depth. Specimen in fairly good 
condition. 



Sample No. 15 

101 ;5 



Sample No. 1.5 
1920 



^23 I 



A c r I O N 



O F 



SEA 



W A T E R 



O N 



CONCRETE 




Sample No. 16 

Proportions 

1 Iron Ore Cement 

1 Sand 

2 Stone 

315 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 15, 1909. Forms 
were removed January 18, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 23, 
1909. 



When leveled 
streaks in water or 


ofl, 
top 


showed oily 


Length 




15 ft. 11 in. 


Average sec- 
tional area 




1.8 sq. ft. 


Volume 




28.7 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 




28.32 " 


Gross Weight 




4290 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 




4237.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 




149.6 " 



^=^ Condition March 3,1910 

Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 

- Condition December 17, 1913 

Good all over and on all sides. 
Apparently no eating action has taken 
.v.->:.:*.:w\-.jivt; place. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

Good all over. Slightly pitted be- 
tween high and low water on face and 
sides. Corners very sharp. 




Sample No. 16 
1913 



Sample No. 16 
1920 



[241 



A C T 1 C) N 



O F 



S E A 



^^' A T E R 



O N 



C O y C -R E T E 





Sample No. 17 
Proportions 

1 Iron Ore Cement 

.'! Siind 

() Stone 

293 11). Water 

Cast wet, Janimry l.j, 1900. F 
were removed Jannary 18, 
Speeinien immersed Fehruarv 
1909. 

When leveled off. showed 
streaks in water on top. 



orms 

1909. 

-2~, 



Length 



l(i ft. 



A\erage sec- 
tional area 


1.81 sq 


ft. 


^'olunle 


28.9() cii 


ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.589 


' 


Gross Wei>;ht 


422.) 


11). 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4172.J 


(t 


Do. per en. ft. 


14,5.9 


" 



('ondition March .'5, 1!)1() 

-Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 

Condition December 17, 191.') 

.Ml four sides slightly eal<'ii from 
iiigh tide to l)ottom. ^Iost of action 
aroim<l low tide mark. Corners eaten. 
.\11 eating action on mortar. Stone 
.seems unaffected. l)ee|)csl holes less 
than '4 inch. 

("ondilion June 0, Ifh^O 
— ^» ' 

Badly pitterl on faces hetwcen high 
and low water, especially around low 
water. Coarse aggregate cxpos<'d. ( 'on- 
crete solid. Deepest pits about 1 inch. 
Corners badly eaten. 




Sample Ni 
191.-5 



Sample No. 17 



1!)2() 



'2.5 1 



ACTION 



O F 



SEA 



W A T E R 



O N 



C O N (^ R E T E 



Wl 




Sample No. 18 

Proportions 

1 Universal Cement 

1 Sand 

2 Stone 

330 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 13, 1909. Forms 
were removed January 15, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 27, 
1909. 



When cast qu 
tamping. 


iked with light 


Length 


16 ft. J4 in. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.8 .sq. ft. 


Volume 


28.93 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.58 " 


Gross Weight 


4215 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4162.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


145.6 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

Apparently in as good condition as 
when placed. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Good all over and on all sides. Back 
J slightly pitted. 

Condition June 9, !0€0 

Good on the face and sides. Back 
slightly pitted. Corners slightly eaten 
and rounded between high and low 
J water. Concrete sound. 




Sample No. 18 
1913 



Sample No. 18 
1920 



[26 



A C T I O N 



O F 



SEA 



WATER 



O N 



CONCRETE 



fe> 







Sample No. 19 

Proportions 

1 Universal Cement 

3 Sand 

6 Stone 

370 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 13, 1909. Forms 
were removed January 15, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 23, 
1909. 



When cast quaked with light 
tamping. 


Length 


16 ft. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.8 sq. ft. 


Volume 


28.8 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.425 " 


Gross Weight 


4125 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4072.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


143.3 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

.\ slight roughness showed on the 
front face. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Fair above high water line, all sides. 
Badly eaten between high and low 
water. Corners all gone, se\eral inches 
deep in places. Back eaten all over to 
a depth of up to 4 inches. Steel partly 
exposed. Concrete soft and crumbly, 
l-'iiir cciiffft'JJa ijelow low water mark. 



Condition June 9, lO-^O 

This pile missing. 



Note: June 9, 1920 

This specimen could not be found 



Sample No. 19 
19];j 



[271 



A C T I O N 



F 



SEA 



WATER 



O N 



CONCRETE 



^ 








■iSS 




Sample No. 20 

Proportions 

1 Cement 
3 Sand 
6 Stone 
275 lb. Water 

Cast norma], January 14, 1909. 
Forms were removed January l(i, 
1909. Specimen immersed February 
-23, 1909. 



When cast qual^ 
tamping. 


ed with light 


Length 


16 ft. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.79 sq. ft. 


Volume 


28.64 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.263 " 


Gross Weight 


4165 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4112.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


145.5 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

A slight roughness showed on the 
front face. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Very slightly flaked on all four 
sides between low water and half way 
to high water. Below water, eaten in 
a few small spots for j-g inch or so. 
Corners all slightly eaten. 

Condition June 9, 1920 

FiUcd on all faces from liTgTf tide to 
bottom. Front corners badly gone. 
Hack corners badly pitted, but not 
gone. Fine aggregate somewhat rotten 
between high and low water. 




Sample No. 20 
1913 



Sample No. 20 
1920 



[28] 



ACTION 



O F 



SEA 



W A T E R 



O N 



CONCRETE 




Sample No. 22 

Proportions 

1 Part (Cement 0.9, Hydrated 

Lime 0.1) 
3 Sand 
6 Stone 
325 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 16, 1909. Forms 
were removed January 18, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 23, 
1909. 

The lime was mixed thoroughly 
with the dry cement. The specimen 
when cast quaked with light tamping. 

I-ength 16 ft. 



Average sec- 
tional area 


1.8 .sq.ft. 


Volume 


28.8 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.427 " 


Gross Weight 


4225 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4172.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


146.7 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

This specimen showed little change. 
It was, however, cracked when first 
placed. When examined this crack 
showed water leaking out. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Front face badly pitted from 
mid-water clear to bottom; not quite 
so bad on lower 2 feet. At mid- 
water badly eaten to depth of 4 inches. 
Material soft and dead at this point. 
Sides and back equally pitted. Crack 
in middle of worst eaten part. 

Condi^kn-rJune 9, 1920 

Entirely gone in middle, about 4 
feet at the top and 6 feet at the 
bottom remaining, but this is badly 
rotted. 




Sanii)lc Xo. 22 



Sample No. 22 
1920 



29 



ACTION 



O F 



SEA 



WATER 



N 



CONCRETE 




Sample No. 23 

Proportions 

1 Cement (with Sylvester solu- 
tion — soap and alum) 
3 Sand 
6 Stone 
298 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 16, 1909. Fornis 
were removed January 18, 1909. Speci- 
men immersed February 23, 1909. 

Mixed the alum thoroughly with the 
dry cement; dissolved the soap in 
water. The specimen when cast quaked 
with light tamping. 



Length 


16 ft. \y2 in. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.82 sq. ft. 


Volume 


29.34 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


28.97 " 


Gross Weight 


4050 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


3997.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


137.9 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

This specimen had a very small 
crack on its face when placed. When 
examined it was found to be cracked 
practically all the way through. The 
corners were eroded in places, which 
may have been caused by bumps from 
a floating obstacle. 

Condition December 17, 1913 

Face badly eaten just above low 
water mark. All four edges and back 
badly eaten for 3 feet below low 
water mark. Corners at bottom gone. 
All faces slightly pitted. Not much 
action above mid-water line. 

Condition June 9, 1920^ 

Concrete between high and low 
water badly rotted. I^ess than one- 
half of the original area of the speci- 
men remains between high and low 
water. 




Sample No. 23 
1913 



Sample No. 23 
1920 



[30] 



ACTION OF 



SEA 



WATER 



O N 



CONCRETE 




Sample No. 24 
Proportions 

1 Cement with 5% (or 23>i lb.) 

Pulverized Clay 
3 Sand 
6 Stone 
275 lb. Water 

Cast wet, January 14, 1909. Forms 
were removed January 16, 1909. 
Specimen immersed February 23, 
1909. 

When cast showed quaking and 
spattered from light tamping. 



Length 


15 ft. II4 in. 


Average sec- 
tional area 


1.81 sq. ft. 


Volume 


27.34 cu. ft. 


Net Volume of 
Concrete 


20.967 " 


Gross Weight 


4150 lb. 


Net Weight of 
Concrete 


4097.5 " 


Do. per cu. ft. 


151.6 " 



Condition March 3, 1910 

The outer face was somewhat soft. 

Condition December 17, 1918 

Good above water line. Surfaces 
l)etween high and low tide eaten some- 
what. Corners eaten all the way from 
higli water to bottom. Took close 
photogi-aph of small section showing 
typical eating. Face little worse than 
sides. 

Conditionjlune 9, 19!20 

Face, sides and back pitted between 
high and low water, especially just 
above low water. Hack corners badly 
eaten. 




Sample No. 24 
lOKi 



Sample No. -24 
1920 



[31 



A C T I O N O F SEA WATER ON CONCRETE 





Detailed View of an "Average Poor" Specimen 

(No. 4). The white in the lower right corner shows 

where the surface was picked off with the finger 

nail — indicating complete local disintegration 



Detailed View of an "Average Good" Specimen, 

showing the aggregate exposed but well embedded 

in the cement. This surface, while somewhat 

rough, is nearly the original surface 



Small barnacles appear on both these specimens 
— parlicularly that on the right 



[32] 



ACTION OF SEA WATER ON CONCRETE 



REPORT OF CEMENT TESTS 

IV TOTHING out of the ordinary was noticed in the tests of the cement used 
for the piers except for the very long time taken by the iron ore cement 
in getting a hard set. This is interesting as showing the effect on the set of the 
ahnost total absence of alumina. The use of hydrated lime was shown to give 
a very quick set — although the initial set was very rapid, the paste was 
easily worked to a soft mix for several hours after getting its initial set. 

Test of white Portland cement 

Per cent passing No. 100 sieve. i)4'.4; No. 200 sieve, 75 

Initial set — "25 minutes, final set — 3 hr. "20 min. — 23% water 

Tensile strength neat test samples 

24 hoiu-s average 277 lb. per sq. in. — 23% water 

7 days " 549 " " " " 

28 days " 72G " " " " 

Tensile strength, one part cement to three of sand by weight — 
(Ottawa sand) 7 days average 191 lb. per sq. in — 9%, water 

28 days " 319 " " " " 

(Bank sand) 7 days average 159 lb. per sq. in. — 10% water 

28 days " 218 '• " " " 

Test of Portland cement with average alumina content 
Per cent passing No. 100 sieve, 94.8; No. 200 sieve, 79. G 
Initial set — 1 hr. 35 min. Final set — 4 hr. 45 min. — 22% water 
Tensile strength neat test samples — 22% water 

24 hours average 313 lb. per sq. in. 

7 days " 660 

28 days " 7.55 " " " " 

Tensile .strength, one part cement to three of sand by weight — 
(Ottawa sanfl) 7 days average 2G~4.-3i^z.^er sq. in. — 9% water 

28 days " 360 " " " " 

(Bank sand) 7 flays average 217 lb. per sf}. in. — 10% water 

28 days " 318 " " '• " 



■ x\ 1 



ACTION OF SEA WATER ON CONCRETE 



':irfrf £' " ££ (< 

(t C£ t( Ct 



Test of Portland cement with high ahimina content 

Per cent passing No. 100 sieve, 94.2; No. 200 sieve, 76.2 

Initial set — 1 hr. 45 niin. Final set — 4 lir. 10 niin. — 22% water 

Tensile strength neat test sanijjles 

24 hours average 342 lb. per sq. in. 

7 days " 677 

28 days " 744 

Tensile strength, one part cement to three of sand by weight — 
(Ottawa sand) 7 days average 272 lb. per sq. in. — 9% water 

28 days " 304 " " " " 

(Bank sand) 7 days average 168 lb. per sq. in. — 10% water 

28 days " 211 " " " " 

Test of Portland cement with low alumina content 

Per cent passing No. 100 sieve, 93.8; No. 200 sieve, 78.8 
Initial set — 2 hr. 10 min. Final set — 5 hr. — 22% water 
Tensile strength neat test samples 

24 hours average 312 lb. per sq. in. 

7 days " 636 

28 days " 741 

Tensile strength, one part cement to three of sand by weight — 
(Ottawa sand) 7 days average 184 lb. per sq. in. — 9% water 

28 days " 312 " " " " 

(Bank sand) 7 days average 133 lb. per sq. in. — 10% water 

28 days " 271 " " " " 

Test of Portland cement made with slag 

Per cent passing No. 100 sieve, 95.6; No. 200 sieve, 78.8 
Initial set — 35 niin. Final set — 2 hr. — 22% water 
Tensile strength neat test samples 

24 hours average 315 lb. per sq. in. 
7 days " 608 " " " " 

28 days " 717 " " " " 

Tensile strength, one part cement to three of sand by weight — 
(Ottawa sand) 7 days average 194 lb. peFsq. in. — 9% water 

28 days " 258 " " " " 
(Bank sand) 7 days average 166 lb. per sq. in. — 10% water 
28 days " 181 



ii (( a 



a (( (( 



t£ a (( 



[34] 



ACTION OF SEA WATER ON CONCRETE 



Test of Iron Ore cement 

Per cent passing No. 100 sieve, 95.8; No. 200 sieve, 82.6 
Initial set — 45 min. Final set — 26 hr. — 22% water 
Tensile strength neat test samples — 22% water 

2-1 hours average 000 (Cement did not have hard set) 
48 hours " 223 lb. per sq. in. 

7 days " 441 

28 days " 641 

Tensile strength, one part cement to three of sand by weight — 
(Ottawa sand) 7 days average 132 lb. per sq. in. — 10% water 

28 days " 234 " " " " 
(Bank sand) 7 days average 108 lb. per sq. in. ^ — 11% water 
28 days " 174 



i( (c a a 
a 66 a a 



a a a a 



Test of Portland cement with 0.1 hydrated lime added to 0.9 average 
alumina cement 

Per cent of hydrated lime passing through No. 100 sieve, 95.2; No. 200 sieve, 88.2 
Initial set — 10 min. Final set — 4 hrs. — 25% water 
Tensile strength neat test samples — 25% water 

24 hours average 276 lb. per sq. in. 

7 days " 566 

28 days " 717 

Tensile strength, one part cement to three of sand by weight — 
(Ottawa sand) 7 days average 148 lb. per sq. in. — 9% water 

28 days " 216 " " " " 
(Bank sand) 7 days average 117 lb. per sq. in. — 10% water 
28 days " 182 



(6 ii ii a 



a a a a 



(( a a a 



Test of Portland cement with average alumina content mixed with 5% 
pulverized clay 

Per cent of clay passing No. 100 sieve, 99; No. 200 sieve, 58 
Initial set — 1 hr. 40 min. Final set — 4 hr. 40 min. — 22% water 
Tensile strength neat test samples 

24 hours average 248 lb. per sq. in. 
7 days " 723 " " " " 

28 days " 762 " " " " 

Tensile strength, one part of cement to three of sand by weight — 
(Ottawa sand) 7 days average 2lf^P^Jev sq. in. — 9% water 

28dayi' " 255 " " " " 
(Bank sand) 7 days average 169 lb. per sq. in. — 10% water 
28 days " 222 



a a a a 



3,5 



ACTION 



O F 



SEA 



WATER 



O N 



CONCRETE 



CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF CEMENT 





White 


Average 


High 


Loi 


V 


Iron 


Cement 




Portland 


Alumina 


Alumina 


Alumina 


Ore 


Made of 




Cement 


Cement 


Cement 


Ceme 


nt 


Cement 


Slag 


Loss on Ignition 


1.69% 


0.96% 


1.06% 


1.04% 


0.91% 


2.82% 


Silica 


24.58 


22.08 


21.46 


23.40 




24.28 


20.42 


(Si02) 
















Alumina 


8.22 


7.21 


8.50 


5.61 




0.94 


8.04 


(AI2O3) 
















Iron Oxide 


0.29 


2.57 


2.44 


2.37 




9.08 


3.04 


(FeaOa) 
















Lime 


62.70 


62.60 


61.64 


62.90 




62.12 


62.16 


(CaO) 
















Magnesia 


1.11 


2.74 


2.58 


2.51 




0.43 


1.63 


(MgO) 
















Sulphm-ic Anhydride 1.32 


1.56 


1.75 


1.53 




1.75 


1.73 


(SO3) 
















Analysis of hydrated lime 
















Loss on ignition 






1.32% 






Silica and insoluble matter 




18.73 








Carbon dioxide 






1.51 








Alumina and 


iron oxide 






0.68 








Lime 








45.88 








Magnesia 








31.62 







EXAMINATION OF SAND AND BROKEN STONE 

The sand, which was very fine, was clean and of good quality. As used, 
it contained 4.6% moisture. Dry, it averaged 97.18 lb. per cu. ft. The voids 
measured 34.2%. By weights the sand passed different meshes as follows: 

No. 100 4.8% No. 10 91.0% 

50 24.0 8 93.4 

30 52.0 6 96.1 

20 73.4 yi inch 100.0 

16 86.4 



The stone was a broken trap, of very good quality, containing 50 per 
cent of voids by volume. It weighed 90.24 lb. per cu. ft. The fineness in 
passing sieves was represented by weightsjis^follows : 

yi inch 0.25% >^ inch -— -, 

0.50 % 



3 

16 



1.75 
9.75 



25.25% 
53.0 
80.75 
100.0 



[;?«■ 






V.Ti^: 



^^^'m£%mdit 



